Access Accounts

Description

A Penn State Access Account is a digital identity for students, faculty, staff, and designated affiliates of the University. The electronic profile grants permissions to users for protected online University resources and services. Access Accounts provide access to the University community at all times, while maintaining a high level of security.

Each person with an Access Account is assigned a unique username (called a user ID) of three letters paired with a series of digits (for example, xyz5002). A user ID is associated with only one individual and is never recycled. User IDs are used as a representation of an individual when logging in.

A password is used to ensure that the correct individual is logging in under the entered user ID. Coupled with a user ID, a password helps to complete the authentication process when gaining access to a service. A number of different systems and procedures are used for authentication of an identity, as well as determining the level of authorization an individual has in regard to the specific service.

In addition to a user ID and password, all faculty and staff are required to verify their identities using Penn State’s Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) service.

For forms and links related to the management of Access Accounts, go to Forms and Links.

Benefits

Allows Penn State faculty, staff, students, and designated affiliates of Penn State to securely interact with the appropriate Penn State services and gain access to necessary Penn State resources. Examples include University-based e-mail services, LionPATH, ANGEL or Canvas (Penn State’s course management system), ITS computer labs, and other Penn State-affiliated resources.

Various options are available to best suit the needs of person requesting access and Penn State.

Account Types and Options

Options: Two types of Access Accounts are available to individuals, which will determine the number and types of services and resources available:

Availability and Maintenance

Request Service and Get Support

If you have questions about Access Accounts or want to request an Account, then email the Accounts Office or call by 814-865-4772.

The ITS Accounts Office is responsible for providing assistance to Access Account holders and resolving any problems related to Access Accounts. Each Penn State campus provides its own on-site computer support department, including the Hershey Medical Center.